Negotiating a pay rise can feel daunting, but with the right preparation and approach, it’s entirely possible to secure the salary you deserve. Whether you work in digital marketing, e-commerce, or any other fast-paced industry, knowing your worth and effectively communicating it to your employer is essential.
At Proximity Recruitment, we specialise in helping professionals like you navigate career progression, and salary negotiation is a crucial part of that journey. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare for a pay rise discussion, how to present your case, and how to handle employer responses with confidence.
1. Know Your Value
Before you step into a conversation about pay, understand your worth within your industry, company, and role. Research salary benchmarks for similar positions in digital marketing and e-commerce by:
- Using salary guides & reports – Check industry-specific salary surveys from recruitment agencies, job boards, and professional bodies.
- Reviewing job listings – Look at job advertisements for similar roles to gauge market rates.
- Speaking to recruiters – At Proximity Recruitment, we provide insights into industry-standard salaries based on real-time hiring trends.
Additionally, consider how your skills, experience, and contributions compare to others in your field. If you’ve developed expertise in areas like performance marketing, SEO, or e-commerce strategy, your value may be higher than the average salary range.
2. Build a Strong Case
Simply asking for more money isn’t enough—you need to justify your request with clear evidence of your contributions and impact. Consider the following when making your case:
a) Your Achievements
Compile a list of your key accomplishments that have positively affected the business, such as:
- Revenue growth from digital campaigns you’ve led.
- Increased conversion rates through CRO (conversion rate optimisation) strategies.
- Successful e-commerce platform migrations or website improvements.
- Cost savings or efficiencies introduced through automation or new technologies.
Use quantifiable data where possible. For example:
“Since implementing my paid search strategy, our ROAS (return on ad spend) has increased by 35%, generating an additional £250,000 in revenue over six months.”
b) Additional Responsibilities
If your role has evolved beyond the original job description, highlight the extra responsibilities you’ve taken on. This could include managing a larger team, handling bigger budgets, or introducing innovative marketing techniques that have added value.
c) Market Demand for Your Skills
If you have in-demand skills—such as expertise in data analytics, PPC, or AI-driven marketing—make it clear that your knowledge is a valuable asset to the company.
3. Choose the Right Timing
Timing can significantly impact the success of your negotiation. Consider these factors before initiating the discussion:
- Performance reviews – Many companies review salaries during annual appraisals, so align your request with this cycle.
- Company financial health – If the business is thriving, it’s an ideal time to negotiate. However, if budgets are tight, you may need to explore alternative benefits (e.g., bonuses, additional perks).
- Personal performance milestones – If you’ve just delivered a major success (e.g., a record-breaking sales quarter), leverage that as evidence for your request.
4. Approach the Conversation Professionally
When setting up the meeting, request a formal discussion with your manager, rather than bringing it up informally. Structure your request like this:
“I’d like to arrange a meeting to discuss my salary based on my recent contributions and market benchmarks. Would you be available to talk about this next week?”
During the meeting:
- Stay confident and professional – Present your case logically, backed by data.
- Avoid ultimatums – Rather than saying, “I need a raise, or I’ll leave,” focus on why your contribution merits a salary increase.
- Be open to negotiation – If an immediate raise isn’t possible, ask about alternative compensation (e.g., bonuses, additional training, or flexible working arrangements).
5. Handle Responses & Counteroffers
Your employer’s response may fall into one of the following categories:
a) Agreement & Offer
Great! If your manager agrees and offers a raise, ensure you receive written confirmation detailing the new salary and its effective date.
b) A Counteroffer
Your employer may offer a lower increase than requested. If so:
- Assess if it’s fair based on market rates and your expectations.
- Ask about future opportunities – If the company can’t meet your request now, negotiate a timeframe for a future review (e.g., in six months).
c) Rejection
If your request is declined:
- Seek feedback – Ask what areas you can improve to justify a future pay rise.
- Explore alternative benefits – If a salary increase isn’t possible, consider negotiating for perks like additional annual leave, training opportunities, or performance-based bonuses.
- Evaluate your options – If your salary is consistently below market value despite strong performance, it might be time to explore new opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Negotiating a pay rise is a normal part of career progression, and preparation is key to a successful outcome. By researching market rates, demonstrating your value, and approaching the conversation strategically, you increase your chances of securing the salary you deserve.
At Proximity Recruitment, we help digital marketing and e-commerce professionals find roles that align with their skills and salary expectations. If you’re unsure about your market worth or looking for a new opportunity, get in touch with our team for expert guidance.
Looking for Career Growth?
If you’re ready to explore new opportunities in digital marketing and e-commerce, contact Proximity Recruitment today. We’ll help you find the right role with the compensation you deserve.
